Follow in footsteps of Bedford’s most famous evangelist in weekend guided walk

The story of Bedford’s famous evangelist is told in this weekend’s guided walk.

The Life And Times Of John Bunyan can be discovered during the outing led by Bedford Association of Tour Guides on Sunday, July 5.

You can hear how the mid to late 1600s were troubled, turbulent times for this country and Bedford was not to be immune from the upheavals.

The nation was torn apart by a civil war that saw the execution of a crowned King and the imposition of a new form of worship.

Towns and even families were divided by a conflict of loyalty. Bedford remained mainly loyal to one side during the majority of the Civil War but John Bunyan, who had been born in Elstow in 1628, firmly supported Oliver Cromwell and fought for him in the Parliamentary Army based at Newport Pagnell.

After the restoration of the monarchy, Bunyan found himself on the wrong side of the religious divide and refused to follow the form of worship that the new King decreed.

He was detained in Bedford Prison from 1660 to 1672 and again for a shorter period in 1677.

Join the guided walk that leaves the Old Town Hall in St Paul’s Square at 11am and walk in the footsteps of the great evangelist.

Booking is essential with the Travel and Tourism Centre on 01234 718112 to reserve your place. Visit www.bedfordtourguides.org